Open-Faced Jarlsberg Sandwiches With Greens

There’s a quiet magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly comforting. I remember a blustery autumn afternoon, rain drumming against the kitchen window, when I first concocted these open-faced sandwiches. The scent of toasting bread, the gentle sizzle of garlic, and the rich aroma of melting cheese filled the air, transforming my small kitchen into a sanctuary. It wasn’t just about sustenance; it was about creating a moment of warmth and deliciousness that could chase away any chill. This recipe, with its wholesome whole-grain bread, vibrant spinach, and nutty Jarlsberg, has become a go-to for those days when you need a little something special, something that feels both elegant and utterly down-to-earth.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 open-faced sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful open-faced sandwiches to life:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1 (6 ounce) bag Baby Spinach
• Salt, a dash
• Pepper, a dash
• 6 slices whole-grain artisan bread (1/2-inch-thick each, cut from the center of a round loaf)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 plum tomatoes, sliced
• 6 ounces light Jarlsberg cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you’ll want to have the following on hand:

• A 12-inch nonstick skillet
• A cookie sheet
• Your oven’s broiler

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly melty, flavor-packed open-faced sandwiches.

1. Prepare for the Spinach Sauté: Preheat your oven’s broiler. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 1 minute.
2. Infuse with Garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic clove to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden. Be watchful; you don’t want it to burn.
3. Wilt the Spinach: Stir in the Baby Spinach into the skillet with the golden garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down.
4. Season the Greens: Season the wilted spinach with a dash of salt and a dash of freshly ground pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Toast the Bread: While the spinach is cooling slightly, place the slices of whole-grain artisan bread on a cookie sheet. Toast them under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Carefully flip the toasted bread slices over. Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on top of each slice. Then, evenly distribute the sautéed spinach mixture over the mustard. Arrange the sliced plum tomatoes on top of the spinach, followed by a generous topping of the shredded light Jarlsberg cheese.
7. Broil to Perfection: Place the cookie sheet with the assembled sandwiches back under the broiler. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and just beginning to brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your open-faced Jarlsberg sandwiches from delicious to absolutely sublime, consider these culinary insights:

• Garlic Browning: The key to perfectly golden garlic is consistent, medium heat. If your garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat immediately. Overcooked garlic can turn bitter, so patience is rewarded here.
• Bread Choice: The recipe specifies whole-grain artisan bread cut from the center of a round loaf. This type of bread has a sturdy crust and a soft, airy interior that toasts beautifully and holds up well to the toppings. If you can’t find this exact type, choose a hearty, thick-cut whole-grain bread that won’t fall apart.
• Broiler Savvy: Broilers vary in intensity. Get to know yours by watching the sandwiches closely. A few minutes can make the difference between perfectly melted cheese and a burnt mess. Position the cookie sheet in the oven so the sandwiches are about 4-6 inches from the heat source.
• Spinach Prep: For easier handling, ensure your spinach is well-drained after wilting. Excess moisture can make the sandwiches soggy. A quick squeeze through a fine-mesh sieve can be helpful if needed.
• Jarlsberg Nuances: Jarlsberg, with its characteristic holes and slightly sweet, nutty flavor, melts wonderfully. Light Jarlsberg offers a similar taste profile with reduced fat, making it a great choice for a lighter meal. Ensure it’s shredded for even melting.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These open-faced sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately, fresh from the broiler, when the cheese is gloriously gooey and the bread is perfectly crisp. They make a wonderful light lunch, a sophisticated snack, or even a part of a brunch spread.

If you happen to have any leftovers, cool them completely before storing. They can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can place them on a baking sheet and warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is softened. Be mindful that the bread may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for these delicious sandwiches:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	245.5 kcal	12%
Total Fat	10.2 g	13%
Saturated Fat	4.1 g	21%
Cholesterol	12 mg	4%
Sodium	408.5 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	25.7 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	15%
Total Sugars	4.3 g	9%
Protein	13.1 g	26%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to explore these delightful variations and substitutions:

• Bread Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free artisan bread. Alternatively, a sturdy rye bread or even a toasted bagel half could be used.
• Cheese Swaps: If Jarlsberg isn’t available, Gruyère, Emmental, or even a sharp cheddar would offer a delicious, melted cheese experience. For a dairy-free version, a good quality plant-based cheese that melts well would work.
• Greens Galore: Feel free to mix in other mild greens with the spinach, such as baby kale or Swiss chard, for added complexity and nutrients.
• A Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the spinach while it’s wilting.
• Herbal Notes: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a hint of thyme could be finely chopped and sprinkled over the spinach or cheese before broiling.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the spinach mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can sauté the spinach and garlic a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.

Q: My bread is toasting too quickly. What should I do?
A: If your broiler is very hot, try moving the cookie sheet further away from the heat source, or watch it even more closely, reducing the toasting time.

Q: What’s the best way to slice plum tomatoes for even topping?
A: Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. This thickness provides a good balance of flavor and moisture without making the sandwich too wet.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: While fresh spinach wilts more delicately, you can use frozen spinach. Ensure it is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry of excess moisture before cooking.

Q: Is light Jarlsberg a good substitute for regular Jarlsberg?
A: Yes, light Jarlsberg offers a similar flavor profile with reduced fat content and melts very well, making it an excellent substitute.

Final Thoughts

These Open-Faced Jarlsberg Sandwiches with Greens are a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients. They’re quick enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough to impress, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The nutty Jarlsberg, the slightly peppery spinach, the tangy Dijon, and the robust whole-grain bread create a harmonious bite that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating them as I do. Serve them with a crisp side salad or a warm cup of soup for a complete and comforting meal. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and any variations you discover!